The United States Squash Racquets Association has announced that Natalie Grainger, current world #7, will become a citizen of the United States of America.

The official swearing in ceremony for Ms. Grainger will take place on February 13th, 2007.

Grainger, a former WISPA world number one ranked player has been ranked in the top ten in the world for seven of the last ten years. Grainger is the current President of Board of WISPA, the governing body responsible for the women's worldwide professional squash tour.

Grainger is the current Head Coach for the US Under 23 development program and an advisor to DC Squash Academy, an inner-city youth program which uses squash, combined with academic tutoring and mentoring, to enrich children's lives. She is also the former US Junior Women's Team Assistant Coach, which under her guidance finished a record-tying 4th at the 2005 Junior World Championships.

"Simply put, there could be no greater asset to the Team USA Squash program than having Natalie Grainger be part of it, and the timing could not be better. In addition to being among the most talented squash players and coaches in the world, Natalie is a leader in whatever she chooses to be involved with, and we are very fortunate she has embraced the United States."

Kevin Klipstein,
US Squash CEO

"Earning medals at World and Regional competitions is a USOC priority. The addition of Natalie Grainger will enhance US Squash's ability to increase the profile of the sport in the US and globally by earning medals in high profile competitions such as the Pan American Games."

Kelly Skinner
U.S. Olympic Committee Director of Sport Partnership

"We are so pleased with this announcement and very proud of all that Natalie has accomplished. We think the US is the growth market for squash worldwide and believe Natalie's involvement on Team USA and in other areas of US Squash will have a major impact on the sport."

Mark Hayden
President and CEO of Harrow Sports

Grainger will now have the opportunity to represent the United States at the 2007 Pan American Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this July, and is a likely candidate to win double gold medals in the individual and team competitions.

To compete for Team USA, she must qualify through earning points in the CHERRYPHARMR Team USA Squash Tour, tournaments restricted to US citizens only.
  

"I have been working towards my citizenship for the past six years, so it is an incredible feeling to know that I am now nearly there and the last hurdle is in sight.

"I had my final interview in December, which was a test too - you'll be happy to know that I passed my reading and writing tests! And then I nailed the American History part - living on Capitol Hill helped with that. I am surrounded by American History and live but four blocks from the seats of government, the supreme court and close by the White House.

"As you know I've been quite heavily involved with US squash teams, the juniors and now the U23s, but I am really excited about being part of the competition myself. The Pan American Games in Rio this July will be incredibly exciting and I am so looking forward to visiting a new city and playing under the US flag.

"I would like to thank everyone in the US squash community for being so supportive, also Senator Landrieu's office for their help in expediting my citizenship application.

"Thrilled to finally be there!"